Lakeland Professor Receives Honor

Published: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 11:52 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 11:52 p.m.

LAKELAND | Florida Southern College's Jennifer King has been named one of the top 22 education professors in Florida by a resource website.

King, 43, an associate professor of education, was one of two private college instructors who made it to the Online Schools Florida list. King, who is also FSC's assistant dean of academic instruction and technology, helps schools stay current in technology.

Lana Swartzwelder, principal of St. Joseph's Academy, said King has been instrumental in keeping her school's teachers technologically up to speed. "She partnered with our school when we first received our Smart technology so that our teachers could have hands-on help and support as they implemented the new technology," Swartzwelder said.

"She then provided on­going training for our teachers by having her education technology students work with our teachers individually in their classrooms, designing lessons using the Smart Board," she said. King, she said, is pas­sionate about training teachers.

"It is an honor to be recognized as a top educator in the state of Florida," King said recently. "I think that 21st-century technology has made being an educator a wonderful profession to both pursue and explore."

King's "outstanding reputation as an innovator in the use of technology in the classroom" was cited on the page that lists the winners. Online Schools noted on its website that she "has a reputation for using innovative methods to help K-12 (teachers) learn how to integrate technology into their classrooms."

In 2011, King was recognized as one of the top 50 "Innovators of Technology in Education" in the country by the Center for Digital Education.

She received a doctorate in instructional technology and educational measurement and research from the University of South Florida.

A faculty member at FSC since 2003, she consults with school districts and educational technology companies and leads summer training institutes on classroom technology.

Tracey Tedder, FSC's dean of the school of education, said the recognition is well-deserved.

"Dr. King has great acumen in teaching instructional technology," she said. "This is a great honor for her and the school of education as we pursue excellence in the preparation of future teachers."

To view the full list, go to onlineschoolsflorida.com.

[ Mary Toothman can be reached at 863-802-7512 or mary.toothman@theledger.com. ]

<p>LAKELAND | Florida Southern College's Jennifer King has been named one of the top 22 education professors in Florida by a resource website.</p><p>King, 43, an associate professor of education, was one of two private college instructors who made it to the Online Schools Florida list. King, who is also FSC's assistant dean of academic instruction and technology, helps schools stay current in technology.</p><p>Lana Swartzwelder, principal of St. Joseph's Academy, said King has been instrumental in keeping her school's teachers technologically up to speed. "She partnered with our school when we first received our Smart technology so that our teachers could have hands-on help and support as they implemented the new technology," Swartzwelder said. </p><p>"She then provided on­going training for our teachers by having her education technology students work with our teachers individually in their classrooms, designing lessons using the Smart Board," she said. King, she said, is pas­sionate about training teachers. </p><p>"It is an honor to be recognized as a top educator in the state of Florida," King said recently. "I think that 21st-century technology has made being an educator a wonderful profession to both pursue and explore."</p><p>Online Schools Florida is an information resource and evaluation website for online higher education. </p><p>King's "outstanding reputation as an innovator in the use of technology in the classroom" was cited on the page that lists the winners. Online Schools noted on its website that she "has a reputation for using innovative methods to help K-12 (teachers) learn how to integrate technology into their classrooms."</p><p>In 2011, King was recognized as one of the top 50 "Innovators of Technology in Education" in the country by the Center for Digital Education. </p><p>She received a doctorate in instructional technology and educational measurement and research from the University of South Florida. </p><p>A faculty member at FSC since 2003, she consults with school districts and educational technology companies and leads summer training institutes on classroom technology.</p><p>Tracey Tedder, FSC's dean of the school of education, said the recognition is well-deserved. </p><p>"Dr. King has great acumen in teaching instructional technology," she said. "This is a great honor for her and the school of education as we pursue excellence in the preparation of future teachers."</p><p>To view the full list, go to onlineschoolsflorida.com.</p><p>[ Mary Toothman can be reached at 863-802-7512 or mary.toothman@theledger.com. ]</p>